Bridging Gender Gaps with AI: Empowering Girls and Women in STEM through Inclusive Digital Innovation


WITIN.ORG

Session 347

Thursday, 10 July 2025 17:00–17:45 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) participation only WSIS+20 Open Space, Palexpo Women and Girls in Digital Interactive Session
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Physical (on-site) participation only


In alignment with the WSIS+20 vision of building “people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented information societies,” this dynamic session by WITIN explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be purposefully harnessed to close persistent gender gaps in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). While AI offers immense potential, its benefits remain limited without the full inclusion of women and girls, who are still significantly underrepresented in STEM fields.

The session is anchored on three pillars:

  • Inclusive AI Design & Policy: Experts will share gender-responsive frameworks and policies that embed equity in training data, algorithmic design, and ethical deployment—ensuring AI is inclusive by design.
  • Capacity Building & Education: Proven initiatives—from digital literacy campaigns to coding bootcamps—especially in underserved communities, will be showcased as effective tools for bridging the gender digital divide and AI skills gap.
  • Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Real-world examples will highlight how governments, academia, civil society, and industry can co-create inclusive, scalable, and culturally relevant solutions.

[Audience]: Policymakers, educators, private sector, civil society, researchers, and innovators shaping inclusive digital futures.

Panellists
Ms. Samira Danburam
Ms. Samira Danburam Manager, USPF Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Moderator

Samira A. Danburam is the Manager of the Universal Service Provision Fund at the Nigerian Communications Commission, bringing over a decade of experience in the communications sector. With a strong commitment to advocating for child online safety and promoting diversity, particularly for women and girls in STEM, Samira has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that foster a secure and inclusive digital environment.  

Her expertise extends to participating in multistakeholder policy development and the review of guidelines for Internet Governance, ensuring that the voices of communities, including people living with disabilities, are heard and represented. Samira holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and a Master's in Information Management, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive impactful change.  

Deeply passionate about enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in public service delivery, Samira believes in the optimal management and equitable distribution of public resources. Her mission centers on promoting access and inclusion within the digital ecosystem, aiming to bridge the digital divide and dismantle barriers for girls and women pursuing careers in ICT.  Outside of her professional pursuits, Samira is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new cultures and gathering insights from diverse communities. Her dedication to empowering women and girls in STEM through digital innovation continues to inspire many, as she works tirelessly to create opportunities for the next generation of female leaders in technology.


Ms. Ja-eun Choi
Ms. Ja-eun Choi Director for Gender Equality Projects Seoul Foundation of Women and Family Panellist

Ja-eun Choi serves as the Director of the Gender Equality Project Office at the Seoul Foundation of Women and Family, a public institution under the Seoul Metropolitan Government. She leads major initiatives to promote gender equality, protect women's rights, and build inclusive public services in both physical and digital spaces.  

With extensive experience in public sector gender policy, Ms. Choi has played a leading role in developing Seoul’s AI-based Gender Safety Model. This model was recognized as a WSIS Prizes 2025 Champion for its innovative approach to detecting and responding to digital sexual violence, such as deepfakes and non-consensual image sharing.  She focuses on integrating technology, community engagement, and institutional collaboration to address gender-based violence and digital safety.

Her work centers on creating equitable systems that ensure women and marginalized groups are not left behind in the digital transformation.  Ms. Choi continues to build national and international partnerships to advance gender-inclusive innovation and sustainable urban development.


Ms. Elonnai Hickok
Ms. Elonnai Hickok Managing Director Global Network Initiative, United States Panellist

As Managing Director, Elonnai works to strengthen and grow a unique and impactful multistakeholder organization working for the advancement of freedom of expression and privacy. She has contributed to international policy initiatives and has presented worldwide on issues of digital rights and emerging technology and the counterbalancing of governmental and individual interests and rights. She has developed research and written extensively on issues relating to privacy, cybersecurity, surveillance, intermediary liability, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence. She currently serves as a member to a number of multi-stakeholder initiatives including as the co-chair to the Freedom Online Coalition Advisory Network, a member of the GIFCT Independent Advisory Committee, and as a member to the ChristChurch Call Advisory Network.


Ms. Mistura Aruna
Ms. Mistura Aruna Assistant Director Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Panellist

Mistura Aruna is a dedicated professional serving as an Assistant Director at the Nigerian Communications Commission, which oversees telecommunications regulation in Nigeria. Known for her commitment to consumer advocacy, Mistura is also honoured to be a Fellow of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

As a Pioneer Alumni of the esteemed 1st African School on Internet Governance, she has displayed her passion for bridging the digital divide by actively participating in the internet governance ecosystem. Mistura's outstanding contributions have led her to proudly represent Nigeria in the Government Advisory Committee (GAC) of ICANN. Her gentle approach and friendly demeanour makes her an exceptional advocate for improving connectivity and ensuring equal access to digital resources.


Ms. Martha Alade
Ms. Martha Alade Executive Director WITIN Panellist & Session Host

Martha Omoekpen Alade is a globally recognized leader and advocate for ethical artificial intelligence, inclusive digital innovation, and gender equity in STEM. With over two decades of experience bridging technology, education, policy, and law, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives that empower women, girls, and marginalized communities with AI and digital skills across multiple countries.

Her interdisciplinary expertise—spanning computer engineering, information technology, public policy, and paralegal practice—enables her to navigate complex technical and regulatory landscapes with a unique depth of insight. She brings to her work a unique ability to bridge grassroots realities with high-level policy dialogue. Martha has played a pivotal role in shaping national and international AI governance frameworks, focusing on data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and culturally responsive technologies.

Her work has garnered international recognition and has been featured on platforms such as the European Parliament and the White House. A frequent speaker at global forums, Martha actively contributes to Internet governance bodies and national digital policy advisory groups. Her current research evaluates AI-powered STEM learning in underserved communities, emphasizing ethical design and inclusive impact.

Martha’s commitment is to foster equitable digital ecosystems that ensure women and underrepresented groups are not only included but positioned as leaders in the evolving AI-driven world.


Topics
Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Digital Divide Digital Inclusion Digital Skills Digital Transformation Education Emerging Technologies Ethics Machine Learning WSIS+20 Review
WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C1 logo C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
  • AL C3 logo C3. Access to information and knowledge
  • AL C4 logo C4. Capacity building
  • AL C5 logo C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
  • AL C6 logo C6. Enabling environment
  • AL C7 E–LEA logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
  • AL C8 logo C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 4 logo Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • Goal 5 logo Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • Goal 8 logo Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
  • Goal 9 logo Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • Goal 10 logo Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
  • Goal 17 logo Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

This session advances inclusive digital transformation through ethical AI to bridge gender gaps in STEM, supporting SDGs 4, 5, 8, 9, and 17. It promotes equity, economic empowerment, and global partnerships—aligning with WSIS+20’s vision of people-centered, inclusive information societies that leave no one behind

Links

Website: https://witin.org
Social media: @mywitin